Celebrating the Vibrant Performing Arts Scene in Wichita
A complaint I often hear about Wichita is that outside of food, drinks, and some sports, there is nothing to do in town.
Today I want to shine a light on a different slice of our city you might not hear about as much as you should.
Wichita is home to a rich and diverse performing arts scene that showcases talent from various organizations and unique venues. Let’s take a peek behind the curtain into the world of dance, music, and theater to show what Wichita has to offer.
Some of these are venues, some are organizations that perform at these venues, and some of these orgs have their own venues.
Performing Arts Venues
There are a number of great venues where these ballets, plays, musicals, and shows take place. I’m sure we’re missing some (and let us know what we are!), but we want to create a place where people can learn more about the arts in Wichita. Think of it as a Wichita Performing Arts 101 course.
- The Orpheum Theatre – 200 N Broadway St #102
This beautifully restored historic venue hosts a variety of performances, from music concerts and comedy shows to dance performances and film screenings. The Orpheum has a whole deep story on its own.
- Century II – 225 W Douglas Ave
The Blue Dome. The Spaceship. Century II is home to a few of the organizations and shows we will get into like Broadway in Wichita, Wichita Symphony, and Music Theatre Wichita.
- Mosley Street Melodrama – 234 N Mosley St
If you’ve never seen a show at Mosley Street Melodrama, I can tell you first hand, it is something to behold. It is Wichita’s only Audience Participation Dinner Theatre. Each show features a one act comedy followed by a music revue.
Current Show: Hard Time at Mary Dingle’s Mercantile – 3/31 – 5/13
Coming Up: No Weddings & A Funeral – 5/26 – 7/8, Fresh Prince of Bel Plaine – 7/21 – 9/2, Nightmare on Mosley Street – 9/15 – 10/28, Derbysville: Town on Misfit Toys – 10/10 – 12/23
- Old Cowtown / Empire House Players – 1865 Museum Blvd
Wichita started out as a Cowtown and Old Cowtown is a time capsule of a different time. You can take a time machine back to the 1800s with the Empire House Players who perform a melodrama to give a glimpse into what life was like back in the day.
Current Show: First Friday Mini Melodramas
- The Crown Uptown Theatre – 3207 E Douglas Ave
Crown Uptown has quite a story itself since it was started in 1928. Over time it has been remodeled and molded into a space that puts on concerts, theatrical productions, and much more. It also has one of the largest Broadway-style stages in Wichita.
- Fisch Haus – 524 S Commerce
This contemporary art space features eclectic performances, from experimental theatre to avant-garde music and dance, in the heart of the Commerce Street Art District. I am not too familiar with this space, but they do host a variety of events.
- Roxy’s Downtown – 412 1/2 E. Douglas
Enjoy cabaret-style performances, musical revues, and innovative theatrical productions at this intimate, downtown venue.
Current Show: Kiss of the Spider Woman 5/18 – 5/20, 5/25 – 5/27, 6/1 – 6/3
Performing Arts Organizations
Orchestral music performances to enrich, educate and entertain diverse audiences of all ages.
Next Events: Sing Anything! (5/6) at Century II & Symphony in the Gardens (5/19) at Botanica
Enjoy top-quality Broadway-style productions and musicals, featuring talented artists from the community and beyond at the Century II Concert Hall.
2023 Season: Rock of Ages 5/31 – 6/4, Red White and Broadway 7/1 – 7/4, Beauty and the Beast 7/26 – 7/30, Ragtime 8/16 – 8/20, Cats 9/6 – 9/10
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of opera with performances by renowned artists, staged at the Century II.
Next Event: Barber of Seville 5/25 – 5/26
Ballet Wichita is a cornerstone of the arts in Wichita and has been since 1974.
Experience thought-provoking plays, musicals, and original works by local playwrights at this community-driven, non-profit theatre. They perform at Wilke Center at 330 N Broadway.
Next Shows: Sweet Music Man: The Words & Music of Kenny Rogers on 5/13 and Beehive, The 60’s Musical on 5/25
Broadway in Wichita is just that – high quality, Broadway level performances right here in Wichita.
Next Show: Hamilton 6/6 – 6/18
Wichita Community Theatre is an all volunteer non-profit that has been operating since 1946.
Next Show: Titus Andronicus 5/3 – 5/7
Flying Pig Improv is an awesome organization that hosts Improv Shows and classes for our community.
Other organizations:
For more on local music, dance, or theatre – visit these resources from Wichita Arts:
When is the last time you went to a theatre or musical show?
